Pont Charles-de-Gaulle, Road bridge between 12th and 13th arrondissements, France
The Pont Charles-de-Gaulle is a road bridge crossing the Seine between the 12th and 13th arrondissements, carrying four traffic lanes on a steel deck. The structure rests on concrete piers topped with conical steel frames that resemble inverted tents supporting the main roadway.
Construction began in 1986 after Paris authorities identified the need to reduce traffic congestion between the Pont de Bercy and Pont d'Austerlitz. The project filled a gap in the eastern river crossings where vehicle flow had become problematic.
The bridge connects two major railway stations and serves as a daily passage for commuters moving between the eastern districts. It shapes the river landscape and facilitates access to both transportation hubs on either bank.
Walking and cycling are possible on dedicated paths separated from traffic, making the crossing straightforward for non-drivers. The nearby Gare d'Austerlitz metro station provides convenient access to the wider city from either side of the bridge.
The distinctive conical steel frames beneath the bridge do more than support it—they give the structure an unmistakable silhouette among Paris's bridges. This geometric design was chosen to distribute weight efficiently while making the massive construction appear lighter and more refined.
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